Review: Transformers #2

The language of comics is different from any other medium. Even something with a similar episodic setup like television is not the same as crafting a tale inside the pages of a comic. It is because of that accomplish writers tend to struggle when they move into the world of comics. Writer Brian Ruckley has written comic prior to taking over the Transformers franchise for IDW, however, his most notable work was in the land of novels. Two issues into this series you can see brief glimpses of the quality of writing he is capable of doing, however overall he still has not found the right rhythm.

This issue picks up directly after last as Chromia and Prowl investigate the possible murder Bumblebee and Rubble have stumbled upon. With the growing tensions in Cybertron, this is coming at the worst possible time. This is not a world used to this type of Comic conflict. The downside to that peace is that it has left many in a fragile state ill-prepared to deal with major consequences. As Megatron is set to lead his Ascension rally Orion Pax is hoping to keep this secret secured in order to avoid further chaos.

Oddly the series this is perhaps most reminiscent of is that of Ultimate Spider-Man, because as Brian Michael Bendis did with that run this also seeks to reset the world for a brand new audience. To take what many already know and approach it with fresh eyes. Also very similar to that run this story so far is a very decompressed version of a classic tale. How the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons began is usually sped through, but this is taking a much more gradual approach.

That could very much work, and there are elements to build upon. A Transformer murder mystery has potential, the issue is most of the focus is elsewhere. Rubble has become the audience surrogate, which has the benefit of making this welcoming for new readers. The downside is the dialog gets filled with so much exposition he feels more like a plot device than a character. Transformers is at its best when the characters are strong and so far these characters are getting by based on their reputation not the quality of the story being told.

On the art side, Angel Hernandez and Cachet Whitman are that their best when it comes to character designs. Making gigantic robots appear to have life and energy within their conversations is not an easy task, but through well-staged body language, they make it work. Where the art continues to suffer is when it comes to the land of Cybertron. It would not be as much of an issue if the script did not directly call out the beauty of this world. Part of that is also on the script not trusting the art nearly enough. Instead of relying on visual storytelling there is plenty of detailed descriptions reinforcing what the art is generally telling us.

Final Thoughts:

This new Transformers relaunch has left the door wide open to welcome new readers, however, it may have been forced too wide causing a story that is spending a great deal of time setting up an inevitable conclusion. There are pieces here that can possibly lead to something, but the lack of a major narrative hook limits the desire to see that potential fulfilled. Hopefully, the ending of this issue will kick in some much-needed momentum.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

Written By: Brian Ruckley
Art By: Angel Hernandez, Cachet Whitman
Colors By: Joana Lafuente, Josh Burcham
Letters By: Tom B. Long

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Daniel Clark

A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.